Recently Tapo and Kasa have released quite a few different camera models, making it possible to find a camera for any situation. While there are a few things that you should consider for any camera purchase, determining the following will go a long way toward helping you make the best choice: 

 

• Will the Camera be Indoors or Outdoors? Does the Field of View Require Pan/Tilt Functionality?

 

• How the Camera will be Powered (Battery, Solar, Constant)

 

• Whether or Not You Require 24/7 or Motion-Based Recording

 

• How You Intend to Store the Recorded Footage (SD Card, Cloud, Hub, Network Storage)

 

• How Much Do You Intend to Capture and Use Recordings at Night or in Dark Rooms?

 

 

Over the next few weeks, you will see additional comparisons and content for the above topics, such as comparing our night vision features and even introducing a NEW recording feature being developed for Tapo cameras. We cant wait to get started, but for now - we hope that everyone has a chance to play and get familiar with their latest devices if you took part in Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.

 

Check Our Full List of Smart Cameras Here

——————

 

Curious About What Cameras Our Team Currently Have in Our Homes?

Tapo: C110x2, C120x5, C125, C200, C210x2, C220, C420x2, C425, TC85

Kasa: EC70, KC115, KC120, KC200, KC400, C410S

 

——————

As a brief introduction before we introduce the more advanced features and compatabilities, our team wanted to provide a broad overview of the different types of cameras currently available:

Battery-Powered Cameras: Flexibility for Any Scenario
Battery-powered cameras provide unmatched versatility, activating via motion detection to capture footage only when needed. With Tapo's extended battery life, these cameras offer a low-maintenance solution, ideal for locations where wiring is impractical.

 

Wired-Power Cameras: Reliable, Continuous Protection
Cameras wired with a consistent power supply will ensure uninterrupted recording via 24/7 Recording, ideal for around-the-clock monitoring. Wired cameras will also often support advanced features like RTSP and ONVIF for seamless integration with external storage, making them perfect for users who need constant surveillance.

 

Indoor and Outdoor Cameras:

Tapo offers both Indoor and Outdoor Cameras ranging from IP65 to IP67. Their weatherproof rating serves as an indicator for its rain/splash and dust protection.  There are a few outdoor cameras that have been quietly released over the last year, such as our Pan/Tilt C5XX Series and our C3XX Series, which offers a full lineup of various night-vision cameras.

Camera Storage Options

• Saving Your Video Clips and Recordings
• Integrate Your Tapo Cameras into an Existing NVR or NAS with ONVIF and RTSP

Solar Panels: To ease your concerns further, some Battery Cameras are able to be continuously charged via the A200 or A201 Solar panel. Some models also have a removable battery pack, allowing you to swap the batteries without waiting for a full charge. These solar panels are most often seen as a bundle with their compatible camera, such as the TC85KIT at Best Buy. 

 

 

Battery Packs:  The A100  is the battery pack used in compatible cameras and doorbells. As a removable battery, it is possible to charge your cameras by charging and swapping out a battery. Check your camera’s specifications to see if a removable battery (A100) is mentioned. 

 

 

Other Cameras and Unique Features

Wired/Wireless Networking C320WS, C325WB, C310, C520WS

A few of our outdoor cameras offer wireless and wired connections for your network connection, allowing you to place your camera in places your Wi-Fi may not reach normally. (Note: These Ethernet Ports are not currently PoE Compatible and are for data only. Please take note of future versions which may see added functionality)

 

Floodlight Cameras: C720, TC53, TC55

One of our most recent additions to our Tapo line of cameras and allow you to keep an eye on large outdoor areas, and the bright lights have already proven to be a strong deterrent against unexpected visitors. We currently offer both 1080p and 2K models. (C720 Community Overview) 

 

Doorbell Cameras: See Doorbell Comparison Post

Over the last few months, we have seen Tapo release various doorbells. These devices offer additional features such as AI package detection and can be powered off either a battery or your existing wiring depending on the model.

 

Physical Privacy Shield: Tapo C125

First seen at CES, the C125 offers a Physical Privacy Shutter that can be visibly seen to provide reassurance that the camera is not recording. The C125 also offers additional features such as HDR, Multiple IR Modes, and Autoexposure to help deal with bright lights. These features can also be seen on the C225, a Pan/Tilt Version of the C125. The C225's physical privacy shield is accomplished by automatically panning the camera directly down into its base.

 

Magnetic Mounts: Tapo C425, TC85 (Community Overview)

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Which Cameras Support RTSP / ONVIF?

Please check your device specifications to guarantee compatibility; however, RTSP and ONVIF are limited to cameras with a consistent power supply, meaning the feature is not available for any battery-powered cameras from Tapo.

 

Can all cameras be recorded in an external hub or networked storage?

No, only devices connecting to an H200 will store their footage on the H200. This is separate from RTSP/ONVIF, which follows the abovementioned restrictions. Typically, a camera with an onboard microSD card slot, will record footage to its SD card, to the cloud, or via RTSP(if wired). Additional features are being developed for additional support, and our team will show these off in the coming weeks for everyone to try.

 

Do Tapo Cameras Work with Third-Party Applications?
Yes and No; the only platforms we officially support outside our own are Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Amazon Alexa. Compatibility beyond these platforms is not officially supported and we cannot guarantee performance or support.

Our teams have been working on new systems to help improve both the security of your devices and compatibility with the platforms we see every day. Expect more information over the coming months.

 

*The suggestions are to be seen as a general guide for Tapo and Kasa's different types of cameras and actual device specifications may change. Please ensure you check the specifications on the device’s overview for the most up-to-date and accurate information. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the questions below; our teams will do our best to help.

 

Come Back Next Week for More Information About the Alarm, Automation, and Night Vision Features Available to Tapo Cameras!